What’s Next: Footwear Accessories

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If we learned anything from the Spring/Summer and Fall 2009 catwalks, it’s that overstated footwear is making a huge comeback.

From the infamous Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte chain and leather strapped heels (two versions above) to the Balmain crystal embellished studded sandals (above center), the trend in footwear brings a whole new meaning to the term “foot fetish.”

Blurring the line between pain and pleasure, the heels are getting higher (6, 6 ½, 7 inches), and the details are getting more extreme (spikes, studs, chains, wires). For those of us that love the trend but can’t bear to splurge on high-end footwear, it’s time to get creative.

Footwear accessories are an affordable way to meet the on-trend look while also evolving your current shoe collection into something unique and personal. All you need is a pair of sky-high platform sandals or heels to start with. Experiment even further by turning expandable bracelets into ankle cuffs and shoe trimmings.